1 Corinthians 15:46

1 Corinthians 15:46 Translations

King James Version (KJV)

Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

American King James Version (AKJV)

However, that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

American Standard Version (ASV)

Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

But that which is natural comes before that which is of the spirit.

Webster's Revision

Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual.

World English Bible

However that which is spiritual isn't first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual.

English Revised Version (ERV)

Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual.

Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:46

That was not first which is spiritual - The natural or animal body, described 1 Corinthians 15:44, was the first; it was the body with which Adam was created. The spiritual body is the last, and is that with which the soul is to be clothed in the resurrection.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 15:46

Howbeit - There is a due order observed, 1 Corinthians 15:23. The decaying, the dying, the weak, the corruptible, in the proper order of events, was first. This order was necessary, and this is observed everywhere. It is seen in the grain that dies in the ground, and in the resurrection of man. The imperfect is succeeded by the perfect; the impure by the pure; the vile and degraded by the precious and the glorious. The idea is, that there is a tendency toward perfection, and that God observes the proper order by which that which is most glorious shall be secured. It was not his plan that all things in the beginning should be perfect; but that perfection should be the work of time, and should be secured in an appropriate order of events. The design of Paul in this verse seems to be to vindicate the statement which he had made, by showing that it was in accordance with what was everywhere observed, that the proper order should be maintained. This idea is carried through the following verses.